Gym Time

There was a time when I was petrified walking into a gym. Literally- I’d work up a sweat just getting to the change rooms. I’ve always been slightly cocky but I was out of my element. Sure I was skinny, but I had no clue what I was doing. I had no idea how to use the machines let alone dumbbells or barbells!

For a long time, I worked out in the women’s only section of gyms. Mainly because this way I wouldn’t draw attention to myself and I could attempt to learn “how to workout”. It was still a disaster.

While I would leave sweaty, my workouts were sporadic, unorganized and lacked progression. Not to mention I wasn’t sure if I was even doing anything right. But I kept going. I started reading. And eventually I felt okay to move to the regular side of the gym.

It was a big change. The first time I was there, I stuck to mainly body weight and dumbbells, no barbells.

Slowly and slowly I became more comfortable. Obviously in this time I also started working as a trainer and taking a lot of workshops.

Early Morning Workout!

The point is; I’ve been there. I know how much it sucks to walk into the unknown. To feel out of place and think everyone is looking at you fail. But you’re not failing. You’re there. You’re trying. Everyone has to start somewhere and truthfully people in the gym are normally so absorbed in themselves and have no clue about anything around them.

It took a while but now, when I walk into the gym, I’m cocky as hell. I go through my warm up, snag a squat rack and start my program. I get looks… a lot of looks. Truthfully I understand why. I come across as a small-waisted, tiny blond girl who is loading 40lb plates onto her squat bar. Everyone wants to see if I can do it… and I do.

There was a time when all the attention would have freaked me out. But those days are long gone. Let them look. You do not need to be a meat head to lift weights, you just have to try.. and try… and then do it again. Eventually it will come.

So the next time you walk into your gym, leave your excuses at the door. Don’t let unformed opinions deter you from reaching your goals. Suck it up and squat 😉